Aminu Tambuwal, a prominent member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition and the former governor of Sokoto State, has confessed to using “backdoor channels” to negotiate with bandits during his time in office.
Speaking on a popular television program, Tambuwal acknowledged that banditry in Nigeria is a complex issue, fueled by a combination of foreign and domestic criminal elements. He stated that the country’s borders are not properly secured, which allows for an influx of arms and external actors into the banditry network.
“We did engage bandits through back door channels,” Tambuwal said, explaining the challenges of dealing with the group’s unpredictable nature. He noted that unlike Boko Haram, which operates with a clear ideological and command structure, banditry is often driven by profit and lacks a unified leadership. “Even among them, they fight themselves, so it’s hard to understand,” he added.
Tambuwal’s comments shed light on the difficulties Nigerian officials face in tackling the country’s security issues, particularly in the Northwest, where banditry has become a major threat.
